40+ events in Canberra to keep the whole family entertained
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An adult-only after-dark event at the National Museum of Australia, Father’s Day, and the Hartley Hall Markets – this is just the beginning of what’s on this week in Canberra.
With 40+ events to choose from, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Special Events and Festivals
Employment in the Park
Supporting people living with disabilities in finding meaningful and sustainable employment opportunities, this event offers NDIS participants the chance to shape their own lives, through employment opportunities.
Bringing together employers committed to diversity and inclusion, NDIS providers, employment services providers and community organisations, attendees will learn how to improve diversity and inclusion strategies, connect with dedicated team members seeking meaningful employment and shape lives by providing employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
Wednesday 28 August, 10 am – 2 pm | Margret Timpson Park, Belconnen | Register here.
Wear it Purple Day Celebration
Join in on Wear it Purple Day celebrations with Libraries ACT and Capital Region Community Services on Friday 30 August! Celebrate acceptance and promote positive visibility with free events at Belconnen Youth Centre with makeup and outfits, followed by a walk to Belconnen Library at 3 pm.
Enjoy drag performances, hear from local queer authors, and snack from 3:15 pm to 4:30 pm. End the day back at the Youth Centre with food and a disco from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Celebrate LGBTQIA+ youth in a safe and inclusive space!
Friday 30 August, 2 pm to 7:30 pm | Belconnen Youth Centre and Belconnen Library | More information here.
A Nightmare On Elm Street + Live Performance – Cult Classics with Venus Mantrap
Arc Cinema presents a series of irreverent Friday night filmic feasts, curated and hosted by drag artist and culture warrior Venus Mantrap.
Blurring the boundaries between what’s real and imagined, Wes Craven’s slasher masterpiece is without a doubt the OG teen-horror film that, 40 years later, still manages to unnerve, shock, gross-out and thrill its audiences. Including a pre-screening introduction and live performance by Venus Mantrap, grab your friends for a fun filled night!
Friday 30 August, 8 pm – 10 pm | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book here.
Night of the Museum: Play
If you were born before 1995, proudly know all of the lyrics to “Bye Bye Bye” and owned a Tamagotchi (RIP tiny digital friends) this is probably the event for you.
Opening its door after dark, the National Museum of Australia (NMA) is hitting rewind for an adult-only event that will transport you back to the iconic decade that brought us butterfly clips and Britney Spears. Night at the Museum: Play invites 18+ attendees to let loose and have some fun with a jam-packed program featuring skate stunts, a pop-up arcade and more. The best part? Headlined by a 50-minute set from DJ Tigerlily, you’ll be able to bust a move on the d-floor or sit back as people battle it out for the top title.
Friday 30 August, 6.30 pm – 10.30 pm | National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton | Book here.
Kambah Turns 50 Village Fair and Classic Car Show
Kambah Village is celebrating Kambah’s 50th birthday! There will be special displays from shopkeepers, market stalls showcasing locally made goods, kids’ activities, free yoga, music and dance performances.
And if that’s not enough, there will be a classic car show, a sausage sizzle, jazz band and children’s art display from 10 am until 2 pm at the nearby Arawang Anglican Church. People interested in showing their classic car or potential stallholders can email kambahturns50@gmail.com. Don’t miss out on this free event!
Saturday 31 August 9 am – 2 pm | Kambah Village Shops, Primmer Circuit, Kambah | More information here.
National Wattle Day
Celebrate National Wattle Day at the National Arboretum! Perfect for the whole family, you can drop by Wattle Corner in the Village Centre to hear about Australia’s national floral emblem, join Dr. Suzette Searle, President of the Wattle Day Association, for a one hour guided walk of the flowering Golden Wattles and learn how to grow your own wattle at home.
Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September, 10 am – 3 pm | National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley | More information here.
Father’s Day
Spoiling Dad in Canberra this Father’s Day just got a whole lot easier. With endless events happening around town to celebrate the father figure in your life, check out our bumper guide here. It’s time to start planning!
Sunday 1 September | Various locations | More information here.
KiteFest at Googong
Googong’s skies will come alive with hundreds of colourful kites this Father’s Day, as they bring back KiteFest for another year!
Families and the wider community are invited to join the festivities by bringing their own kites and picnic blankets, with the day attracting kite enthusiasts from across the region. KiteFest is free for all and will feature food stalls, live music and entertainment, and spectacular kite displays.
Sunday 1 September, 11 am – 2 pm | Rockley Oval, 15 Rockley Parade, Googong | More information here.
National Indigenous Fashion Awards at the Canberra Centre
Showcasing the award-winning designs from the winners of the 2024 National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), pop into the Canberra Centre to see the works of five of the seven winning designers and display images of celebrated local Wiradjuri artist and recipient of 2021 ACT NAIDOC Artist of the year, Kristie Peters.
Featured in the 2024 Country to Couture runway show, it’s a beautiful celebration of the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of First Nations peoples artists and fashion designers.
Until Wednesday 11 September | Canberra Centre, City | More information here.
Plant dyeing workshop at Gawari Mada with Rebecca Mayo
Please join Dr Rebecca Mayo for a hands-on workshop to uncover the hidden colour palette of Gawari Mada (Holt Microforest). All ages and abilities welcome to join this participatory plant dyeing workshop and use a selection of plants growing on site to develop a unique colour palette of the forest!
Free to attend with registrations preferred at Humanitix.
Saturday 31 August from 10 am – 2 pm | 10 Boyle Place, Holt | Humanitix
Markets
Moonlit Markets
Haven’t had the chance to travel the world this year? UC has you covered with a one-stop global market.
Across two nights, UCX will be hosting stalls sharing cuisines from around the world, with a packed stage schedule of dancers and performances to bring you a taste of their culture. Hot tip: UC students score $5 off food each night. See you there?
Thursday 29 and Friday 30 August, 5 pm – 9 pm | University of Canberra, 11 Kirinari Street, Bruce | More information here.
Hartley Hall Markets
This fine family-friendly market is back again! With over 200 stalls offering a variety of products including food, locally grown vegetables and fresh produce, baked goods, plants, furniture, clothing, pottery, children’s toys, arts and crafts, unique gifts and more, head along to spend a few hours exploring.
Stroll among the trees, stay for lunch and enjoy the fresh air, live entertainment, children’s activities and so much more!
Sunday 1 September, 10 am – 3 pm | Hall Showground, Hall Street, Hall | More information here.
Capital Region Farmers Market
Fresh produce, flowers and the ready-to-eat food and coffee. What more could you need? The Capital Region Farmers Market has everything you need.
7 am – 11.30 am Saturday | Exhibition Park in Canberra, Old Well Station Road, Mitchell | capitalregionfarmersmarket.com.au
Little Burley Markets
Offering a diverse array of multicultural foods, much-loved beverages and brunchables, beautiful blooms, locally made art, fashion, photography and homewares, artisanal bread, delectable pastries, seafood, smoked charcuterie, truffles, meats, puppy treats, and much more, you’ll be able to find plenty of goodies at this bespoke lakeside market
8 am – 1 pm Saturday | Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Parkes | thelittleburleymarket.com.au
Southside Farmers Markets
This village market is located at Canberra College, making it the perfect place to duck in to grab what you need (and maybe a few things you don’t). Order an egg and bacon roll to start the morning as you explore the best of fresh seasonal veggies, handmade pasta and pet treats.
8 am–11.30 am Sunday | 2 Launceston Street, Phillip | facebook.com
Haig Park Markets
Moments away from Lonsdale street’s boutiques and cafes, the Haig Park Village Markets will delight your senses with delicious cuisines, tasty treats, beautiful blooms, fresh produce, delectable charcuterie and artisan products. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a picnic whilst feasting your senses on the culinary delights on offer or to browse the fabulous local handmade design stalls.
8.30 am – 2 pm Sundays | Haig Park, Girrahween Street, Braddon | haigparkvillagemarkets.com.au
Old Bus Depot Markets
Lovers of fine hand-crafted wares, clothing collectors, food fanatics and jewellery junkies are just a few of the people who head to Canberra’s award-winning Old Bus Depot Markets every Sunday. In a fabulous old industrial building you’ll experience the endless colour, tastes, sounds and atmosphere that is “Canberra’s Sunday Best”.
Not your average market, each week you’ll find over 200 stalls of exceptional quality, featuring items all hand-crafted by local and regional creatives. There’s simply no better way to spend your Sunday in Canberra.
Every Sunday | 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston | obdm.com.au
Food and Wine
Urban Craft Beer Crawl
Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or a group of mates looking for a fun afternoon out, if you love beer, this is the event for you.
How does it work? Grab your friends and get ready for an afternoon of exploring the incredible bar scene of Canberra on a self-guided beer crawl. You’ll make your way around the trail to redeem your craft beer vouchers and when and where you decide to go is completely up to you!
Saturday 31 August, 12 pm – 4 pm | Multiple locations | Book here.
Stage and Screen
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour 2024
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour is coming to Canberra to make you laugh until you cry.
Boasting a line-up of festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents, this jam-packed night of pure entertainment is bringing the best of the Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase direct to you! Don’t miss some of the festival’s hottest acts live on stage for an incredible two hours of hard-hitting laughter.
Friday 30 August, 7:30 pm – 9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
The Peasant Prince
The Peasant Prince tells the remarkable true story of a 10-year-old peasant boy’s journey from impoverished rural China to the international dance scene.
A story of courage, resilience and unwavering hope, it tells the story of Li, a 10-year old peasant boy who is plucked from his village in rural China and sent to a ballet academy in the big city. From his years of gruelling training, to how he became a giant of the international dance scene, this will captivate the whole family.
Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Olympics and Paralympics LIVE Watch Parties at the AIS
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) is hosting a live watch party for the Paralympic Games! The FREE events will take place at 10 am to 2 pm and will will include a range of activities from local sports, food trucks galore and plenty of kid’s entertainment.
Take a quiz with the French Embassy, meet Olympians and Paralympians and enjoy complementary site tours and admission to Sportex, the AIS’ interactive sports exhibit!
Saturday 31 August, 10 am – 2 pm | Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Street, Bruce | Book tickets here.
HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr
It’s the perfect mix of Hollywood glamour and scientific genius. The Street presents the multi-award-winning HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr and you won’t want to miss out.
Followed by a post-show conversation with renowned theatre-maker and Fulbright specialist Heather Massie, the powerful one woman show unearths the truth behind the glamourous Hollywood film star who invented technology that powers so much of our world today. It’s a great opportunity to experience a mesmerising true story of Hollywood glamour and scientific genius.
Saturday 31 August, 7.30 pm | The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book here.
Korean Film Festival
The Korean Film Festival is back again! The annual festival celebrates the best of Korean cinema culture with a diverse selection of genres, from family comedies to thrilling mysteries.
Featuring four films – FAQ, Don’t Buy the Seller, Dog Days and Picnic – the best part is they will be screened for free! Tickets for the touring program are available to book now at koffia.com.au. Don’t miss the chance to experience the best of Korean cinema.
Saturday 31 August until Sunday September 1| Palace Electric Cinema, Acton | Book here.
Music
Yesterday’s Gone – The Fleetwood Mac Legacy
Paying homage to Fleetwood Mac’s enduring legacy, Kav Temperley (of Eskimo Joe fame), Fanny Lumsden, Charlie Collins, and Karen Lee Andrews will be performing all of their incredible hits.
From Dreams to Say You Love Me, dance and sing the night away.
Tuesday 27 August, 7 pm – 9 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Spring into Spring – Voices Heralding the New Season
The Wesley Music Centre Lunchtime Concert series is delighted to welcome, once again, talented young musicians from Canberra Girls Grammar School, who will perform music by Vivaldi, Mozart, Telemann, Beethoven, Danzi, Conner and Fauré.
Wednesday 28 August, 12.40 pm – 1.20 pm | Wesley Music Centre, 20 National Circuit, Forrest | Book here.
Delusions and Grandeur
This is a classical cello recital meets performance art clown show!
Featuring Suite Number One in G Major by JS Bach and personal comedic pieces crafted in Idiot classes, Karen Hall fuses in a healthy dose of pathos as she tackles identity, expectations, and success through the eyes of a fool.
Wednesday 28 until Friday 30 August, 7.30 pm | Mill Theatre at Dairy Road – Building 3.3/1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick | Book here.
Marcia Hines: The Still Shining Tour
A two and a half hour musical extravaganza celebrating Marcia Hines’ career? Yes please.
Featuring every hit record from ‘Fire and Rain’ through to her discotheque era to the 2023 release, of both the ‘Still Shining’ greatest hits album and ‘The Gospel According to Marcia’, it’s a celebration of her professional journey and her relationship with Australian audiences.
Thursday 29 August, 7:30 pm – 10 pm | Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, City | Book here.
Chris Cain Australian Tour
Don’t miss US Blues guitar master Chris Cain as he brings his most recent album Raisin’ Cain to Canberra.
Offering up a soulful stew of Memphis style electric blues, his powerfully deep vocals and jazz inspired, blues guitar riffs are unforgettable; uniquely his own, while reminiscent of the legendary BB King and Albert King.
Thursday 29 August, 7 pm – 10:30 pm | The Zeppelin Room, 49 Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah | Book here.
Selby & Friends
Get ready for another glorious program of chamber music by Beethoven!
Susie and Tipi toured with Selby & Friends in 2023 and had such a wonderful time they have returned for this special program of three ‘treats’ by Beethoven. Featuring the early piano trio Opus 11 (originally with clarinet), followed by the piano trio Op. 70 No.2 (the sublime partner to the “Ghost”), and the final work on the program is the stunning and brilliant, rarely performed Reinecke transcription of Beethoven’s Triple Concerto for violin, cello and piano.
Friday 30 August, 7 pm | James Fairfax Theatre, National Gallery of Australia | Book here.
RedHook – Breaking Up With Tour
In honour of their infectious new anthem ‘Breaking Up With’, Sydney/Eora-based alt-rock powerhouse RedHook is coming to Canberra to hold a massive party.
Naarm/Melbourne melodic rock force The Beautiful Monument will also be stepping into the ring on main support duties, with Newcastle/ Mulubinba pop-punk veterans Eat Your Heart Out and Boorloo/Perth metalcore rising stars Patient Sixty-Seven rounding out a blockbuster undercard.
Friday 30 August, 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm | UC Hub, 1 Kirinari Street, Bruce | Book here.
Tori Forsyth Past and Present Tour
Tori Forsyth hits the road for an intimate show to celebrate her record released in May Äll We Have Is Who We Are’. Tori will be revealing more about the song and sharing stories with her band bringing an ‘unplugged’ energy to the tour. If you like Fleetwood Mac and Dolly Parton, this is a show not to miss.
Friday 30 August, 7 pm | 38 David Street, Turner | Book here.
Lukáš Vondráček
Since winning the most reputable piano competition in the world – The Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition – for the past 10 years Lukáš Vondráček’s has travelled the world as soloist with top tier orchestras. Now, he’s coming to Canberra.
Playing at Snow Concert Hall, you can expect a superb program that is an intuitive exploration of the inner worlds of Brahms, Scriabin and Schumann. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience this remarkable soloist!
Friday 30 August, 7 pm – 9 pm | Snow Concert Hall, Canberra Grammar School, 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill | Book here.
Smiths@Belco: William Crighton with Special Guests
Presented by Belco Arts and Smiths Alternative, Australian artist William Crighton will be playing at Belco Arts for one night only.
After a busy two years (he’s won an ARIA, supported Midnight Oil and The Dead South on tours around the world, play his first Glastonbury and release his third album ‘Water and Dust’), this show will explore vivid stories, from tales of Australian history to euphoric conversations with ants.
Saturday 31 August, 7 pm – 9 pm | The Theatre, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | Book here.
Aria Award winning Jazz Quartet
Aria Award winning composer and saxophonist, Jeremy Rose is performing at Tuggeranong Arts Centre!
Performing alongside musicians Steve Barry (piano), Noel Mason (bass, The Vampires) and Alex Hirlian (drums, Brekky Boyo) – otherwise known as the Jeremy Rose Quartet – expect an unforgettable night of contemporary jazz.
Saturday 31 August, 7 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway | Book here.
Exhibitions
The Materialisation of Testament
This is the culmination of four years of research, and the artistic component of Kerry Martin’s creative practice PhD undertaken at the University of Canberra between 2020 and 2024.
Based primarily on the reports of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (2012-2017), it seeks to provide another platform to continue the discussion around, and examination of the Catholic Church’s disturbing history of child sexual abuse in this country. Working with a reparative aesthetic, an approach to making beautiful art about brutal topics, it asks the viewer to consider what it might look like if the Church wore the shame of its offences.
Friday 30 August until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | West Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Peter Boggs – The Memory Of Place Paintings
This exhibition explores the notion of beauty in landscape through glimpses of Italian scenes, not explicitly revealed but drawn from recollections of Peter Boggs experiences over the years.
Throughout Peter’s career, he has been captivated by the mysterious qualities of light and in this exhbition he skillfully constructs his dream-like compositions through delicate tonal layering of oil paint.
Until Saturday 31 August | Beaver Galleries, 81 Denison Street, Deakin | More information here.
Over Seas
This is an open exhibition for Canberra’s migrant communities.
Featuring the works of over 75 Canberra region artists who have migrated to Australia, from the political to the personal (and including everything from traditional art forms to contemporary perspectives), these artists give us a glimpse into the diversity of their journeys and the rich array of stories that make up Canberra’s multicultural community.
Saturday 31 August until Sunday 13 October, 10 am – 4 pm | Generator Gallery, Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen | More information here.
Testamur 6
This is a group exhibition by Canberra Art Workshop showcasing artworks inspired by CAW events, including workshops, courses, and art groups.
Featuring diverse mediums like life drawing, painting, and sculpture, it highlights creations that push boundaries and reflect the educational journey of its participants.
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Fairy Land
This solo exhibition by David Helmers explores the dynamic relationship between materials and queer identity, inviting viewers to rediscover joy through playful experimentation.
It challenges societal norms, inviting reflection on joy, resilience, and the agency of materials in shaping cultural dialogue. Don’t miss this!
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
The Cave. A River. An Island.
Ross Andrews’s latest solo exhibition explores the intersection of modern media disinformation and ancient allegory through expressive landscapes.
Inspired by the deceptions of Plato’s Cave, the artworks reflect on personal and environmental journeys of discovery.
Until Sunday 1 September, 6 pm – 8 pm | M16 Artspace, 21 Blaxland Crescent, Griffith | Book here.
Fuse Glass Prize
Presented by JamFactory, the FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists.
You’ll see the work of 18 finalists (12 established and six emerging artists) at the Australian National University School of Art & Design Gallery.
Until Friday 6 September | ANU School of Art & Design Gallery, Building 105, Corner Liversidge Street and Ellery Crescent, Acton | More information here.
Cobi Cockburn Solo Exhibition
Cobi Cockburn is a celebrated contemporary Australian artist, who sis known for her large wall panels and installations that use shifting tonal linework, that connect and respond to the gallery’s architecture.
Curated by Aimee Frodsham, this exhibition uses neon to further her exploration of line and light. Focusing on the warm glow and rich line quality rather than the intensity expected from neon, it is an exploration into the beauty of energy and the intertwined relationships of art, memory and spirituality.
Until Sunday 22 September | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Hanging By A Thread – Mosaics For Afghan Women
Part of the Hanging by a Thread project, this project aims to raise awareness of the plight of Afghan women and girls and involves over 1,200 experienced and amateur mosaic artists from 46 countries.
Brining together mosaics from SA, VIC, NSW, QLD, TAS, WA and New Zealand undertaken by communities during the 2022 International Year of Glass, each artist has made a small segment of glass mosaic, which is being joined together to create a series of giant scarfs.
Until Tuesday 20 October | Canberra Glassworks, 11 Wentworth Avenue, Kingston | More information here.
Sport
Canberra Swing Katz Swing Dance Classes
Looking for the best way to get moving, meet awesome people, and add some fun to your week with a welcoming, inclusive group? You’re in luck! It’s time to get your dancing shoes on and give swing dancing a go!
Offering a pocket-friendly, energetic, and unforgettable experience, there’s no need to bring a partner or sign up beforehand and no experience needed.
Tuesday 27 and Thursday 28 August, 7.30 pm | Currie Crescent Community Centre, 11 Currie Crescent, Kingston (Tuesday) and Majura Community Hall, 3 Rosevear Place, Dickson (Thursday) | Book here.
Come and Try Day with Dragons Abreast Canberra
This is a wonderful opportunity for people who’ve had a breast cancer diagnosis to try dragon boating.
Dragons Abreast Canberra is a diverse group of individuals who understand the unique challenges and triumphs that come with a breast cancer journey. Blending camaraderie, strength, and the thrill of paddling together, according to the team it’s more than just a sport; it’s an empowering journey where survivors and supporters come together, forming a community that uplifts and inspires.
Saturday 31 August, 9 am – 11 am | Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive (near the Boathouse Restaurant) | More information here.
Dragonboating for Women
Diamond Phoenix, Canberra’s only all-women Dragon Boat Club, is hosting a free come and try event!
Open to women (including those who identify as cis, trans, and non-binary) from 13 years up, make sure to wear quick drying clothes and covered shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Don’t forget your water bottle, sunscreen, hat and towel for afterwards. Paddle and life jackets are provided.
Saturday 31 August, 11 am – 12.30 am | Grevillea Park, Menindee Drive, Barton | More information here.
GIANTS v Bulldogs
This is the GIANTS’ season opener, and you don’t miss this epic start to the AFLW season.
Bolstered by fresh faces and up-and-coming young stars, the GIANTS will be looking to start their 2024 campaign with a bang under new Captain Rebecca Beeson. Off the field, check out the GIANTS Fan Zone for giveaways, face painting, inflatables and more, plus explore the awesome local food offerings on Manuka Oval’s food trail.
Saturday 31 August, 1 pm – 4 pm | Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Griffith | Book here.
Workshops, Tours and Talks
Memory Film + Director Q&A with Jeni Thornley
Australian feminist filmmaker Jeni Thornley revisits 30 years of personal and political filmmaking in this reflective, poetic documentary. Part of the National Film and Sound Achieve $8 Collection Selection series, Memory Film explores the dynamic politics of women’s liberation and historical periods of intense social change.
Don’t miss the post-screening Q&A with director Jeni Thornley.
Wednesday 28 August, 6 pm | McCoy Circuit, Acton | Book tickets here.
Feature image: DJ Tigerlily. Supplied by National Museum of Australia.
